Halloween Thoughts and More
Some years back a friend led me to the Mütter museum here in Philly. As a native Philadelphian, I had no idea the place existed. Soon I would discover this small chamber of horrors is on display all year around for medical students and the general public with a penchant for the bizarre. The museum houses fluid-preserved anatomical and pathological specimens, medical instruments, anatomical and pathological models and dates back from 1750 to the present. Needless to say, in 1750 medicine was primitive and very gory by today’s standards. The day we visited it was warm inside and out. I remember feeling light headed at the fetuses in jars and quickly collapsed into the nearest chair facing a vent shooting out cool air. The skeletons and primitive OB-GYN instruments were painful to view. Thousands come through Philadelphia to visit these wonders of science every year. The museum isn't large and much to my relief didn't take long to tour. When we finished studying the relics, my friend bought a tee-shirt to commemorate the occasion. As for me, well I have since visited my doctor but never gone back to the Mütter museum.
Last night Evan and I dressed up and went to Jay's Halloween party. It's really the first time ever; I made a point of dressing up and going to a party. Evan and I had to meet at a mall and pick of a few last minute costume extras; me a fishnet glove and Evan some safety pins. I was traumatized walking into the mall with a ripped up sweatshirt, huge hair and a cross around my neck. Would anyone notice that I was dressed up like the 80's or would they think I normally walk around stuck in a time warp?
My sister-in-law laughing said, "Liz, don't worry about it, it is Halloween!"
Evan was my favorite superhero, Spiderman. He looked great in the costume. He is one of the few grown men that can actually get away with wearing the costume, well besides Toby McGuire anyway. Jay has a beautiful home and with the help of some other guests he put out a delicious spread of various foods and desserts. The party was an enormous success. Evan and I had a very nice time. As for dressing up, we just laughed at each other all evening long.
Click below for pics
An 80's chick(me) at where else but the mall
Evan, always a super hero, seen here with his adorable daughter
Dan is my Jedi master all year around *wink*
Nothing like a Bag O' Jelly Beans at Halloween. Cute Beth!
Paris Hilton was there
She was drug across the ground but still made it to the party!
This couple couldn't stop screwing!
Posted by Liz at 11:38 AM
| Feedback (6)
When Alfie came to my crib
By: Tony
What’s it all about?
So Alfie is on release now and off I go to see how we look on screen (remember I posted about the scenes they shot in Tilbury using my Arts Activity Centre?) and there we are!
Well….
Sort of…
It’s a bit dark…
But if you know the area you can tell where it is. It was funny to see NY Taxis driving up the ferry slipway but the scene was cut so well it is hard to see the join between the footage shot in the US and footage shot 50 yards from my office and it is so dark! Anyway that string of lights behind Jude Law – that’s me... ah well, no fame yet then!
Posted by Tony at 03:33 PM
| Feedback (3)
Repeat After Me
I intend to recognize the genius in myself
Posted by Liz at 10:42 PM
| Feedback (2)
Late Night
Just so much happening lately especially with trying to get some things together. I have an interview with cool skateboarder girl, Lauren that I want to submit soon to some magazines, and other projects in the works that are just so slow getting started.
Me up late. David said I look like Bjork here. I wish.
I still have lots of free time on my hands and I'm looking forward to voting on November 2nd. (adiós Sr. presidente!)
My new little niece is home (Rebecca Rose) and she is adorable. Three nieces now! Aren't I lucky? Yea, thats what you think. He-he I love them, they are pure joy seriously.
This Saturday is Jay's Halloween party with Evan and we are looking forward to that. Later today I go 80's jewelry shopping for my costume. That should be fun.
Just one more thing, the leaves on the trees are so beautiful. Fall is my favorite time of year. I feel sorry for anyone that doesn't experience it. I need to take some pictures of the leaves. As my birthday swiftly approaches, I'm feeling good, hopeful ya know.
Posted by Liz at 01:19 AM
| Feedback (4)
Human Beat Box
Bjork said it earlier this year, instruments are over and she made a whole CD, Medúlla, to back it up. This morning I saw a new video by Pharrell and Snoop Dog, Drop It Like Its Hot, and the instruments were a drum beat, rthymatic raps, and tongue clicking. It was totally funky, totally head bobbing stuff. It's not the human beat box I heard from The Fat Boys in the 80's. It's far more human. The beats of today are human sounds repeating and flowing with clean and clear vocals. I like this new vibe and I'm on the look out for more.
Posted by Liz at 08:32 AM
| Feedback (1)
Thoughts
Before you vote please consider some of the following terms that you may be hearing. First is occupation. We are occupying Iraq and fighting insurgents. Its a bloody mess and we need to get out soon. George has no intention of ending this thing in a timely fashion and he doesn't seem to care who likes it. I say give the Iraqi's a time limit to get there democracy off the ground. Of course, with that said, its like asking someone to be somewhere they just aren't in life. Iraq needs to evolve and want democracy for themselves, not just because we pointed a gun at them. and told them it was time.
I purchased The Kid today, starring Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan. I love silent movies and this one in particular is great. It still holds up. Woman still abandoned babies and live to regret it. My friend and blog mentor Justin is working in the film media these days, and I would suggest that the silent film could make a comeback if done properly. A fast pace story line and a terrific soundtrack, maybe even black and white? How cool.
I have several dream vacations in mind. A trip on the Orient Express, the Queen Mary 2 floating on the ocean, but the commercial for Cirque du Soleil and Celebrity cruises keeps teasing me. I never had an interest in a cruise, but this one seems elegant. Ahhh, I can dream can't I?
Posted by Liz at 01:05 AM
| Feedback (0)
I'm Feelin Ya Baby!
No, I don't typically use the expression,"feelin ya" it's an inside joke however, dashing and talented Evan is going to finalize a great new gig today. Of course I wish him all the luck in the world, especially because he has his eye on a loft in the city where I plan to hang out frequently! Hehe
Best of luck darlin', you deserve it.
Posted by Liz at 12:06 AM
| Feedback (1)
Ryan G. A Beautiful Imperfection
Ryan G. is nothing short of amazing. You have to see this local talent if you are in the Philadelphia area and now his has a new website you can check out in between his live performances.
I've known Ryan for a awhile now and I've seen him perform a few times. His original work is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I've never seen anyone play the guitar like him and take risks with vocals the way he does. Blending so many styles and making them his own like no one else.
Beautiful Imperfections is the name of the CD and its all heart and soul. Ryan sings all the songs and plays the music. Killin’ Is Killin’, my favorite track, is a Jamaican inspired slow groove that transports one to Montego Bay. Ryan lulls us as he sings of no righteousness behind the killing in war time. Betterworld is another favorite of mine. Ryan sings a hopeful lyric and asks us to imagine what he envisions. Angel is the song Ryan opens his shows with and he hits us with unexpected vocal changes that will take you completely off guard. My Tide, the third track, has a Hawaiian flavor with a flamingo guitar riff. Riding this wave is a musical adventure. Ryan shifts from melodic vocals to a fast spoken word. Memories, the fourth track is a gentle island sound that rocks one on a hammock under a palm tree. Track eight, Freedom, contains spoken word in which Ryan conveys his disgust in the hypocrisy of a government who preaches freedom for all and still oppresses. Simpatico del Mar is a Spanish instrumental that showcases Ryan’s outstanding musical talents. Racism and a need for unity is a recurring theme for Ryan that he clearly conveys on this CD.
Ryan G. plays The Fire in Philly Photo by: Liz Fine
Mixing a blend of the Islands with Spanish flamingo, spoken word and rock sensibilities be prepared to be amazed. I am stunned at every show I attend and I love watching the the crowd stand in awe at this truly fresh new talent. Ryan gives a performance you won’t soon forget with themes that are on all of our minds as the occupation rages on in Iraq. I picture the day that I am telling people I knew Ryan G. when. A great musician and an even greater person, Ryan sings for the people, the down trodden and his own heart. He feels the cause, takes up the challenge and carries the message in every performance. We get to experience him and feel uplifted to a better place.
Posted by Liz at 02:06 AM
| Feedback (2)
Oh Happy Happy Joy Joy
I really want this for my birthday or Christmas or Hanukah. Any old holiday will do.
Posted by Liz at 01:45 AM
| Feedback (6)
Retail Therapy
I've just been hanging around lately and feeling discouraged about certain things, so today retail therapy was in order. I bought some tights and some flat round toe "ballet" shoes, also a cardigan. I plan on wearing dresses to work and other wise, so I needed to winter-ize them. I love the Marc Jacob's look and its pretty easy to imitate on a budget.
Always feminine
A look easy to replicate
Posted by Liz at 07:38 PM
| Feedback (2)
Rock Against Bush 2004 or Dreams Really Do Come True!
Thursday morning I made a phone call in an effort to work for UNITE union. By Thursday night I was standing about 10 feet from Tom Morello who was on stage jamming accoustically and talking about the changes that need to happen in this country.
Punk Voter brought him and others here to Philly and the whole show was really reveved up. Seeing Tom Morello upclose and jamming was a highlight for me, I'm such a major fan of his work and his principles. Each singer urged people to vote so we can unload this administration and stop this occupation. Tom talked about working for a living and having no healthcare and this being a war of poor people on both sides. Tom suggested everyone drive someone to the poles as he raised a fist in solidarity.
Tom onstage photo: unknown
On the way to the show, Philly was enjoying a clear day Photo: Liz Fine
When I was arriving, a line was forming at the Starlite Ballroom Photo: Liz Fine
I drove with one hand and snapped a pic of the tour bus with another hand. Tom Morello walked down the street talking on a cell phone. Photo: Liz Fine
Posted by Liz at 03:52 PM
| Feedback (3)
Not A Pretty Post
I have been sick with a hacking cough for weeks now. When it finally seemed to move on, the sore throat appeared accompanied by a runny nose. I think its from taking care of my nieces so much. You see, My sister in law had the baby and has been hospitalized for a while. Mom and baby are fine but I have been helping out. I pulled a muscle above my rib cage coughing and am still feeling that ache. Today I picked up some stuff at the health food store. I really didnt want to go the anti-botic route.
My sore throat
Rest, green tea and suppliments
A prettier picture??
Posted by Liz at 02:12 PM
| Feedback (8)
A Wicked Day
Today I had an opportunity to go to NYC and see a show. Of course, I grabbed at the chance.
First I made a b-line for Canal St. That’s right, "knock off" central here I come! I was able to purchase bean Tiffany & Co. earrings and a tag bracelet. I was thrilled. On this hazy day, Canal St. was packed but I got great deals. Its rows and rows of Korean stores and they hide the bootleg stuff and they call into a back room or space to look at the "designer stuff" and walkie-talkie one another to keep an eye out for trouble as in the cops. It's a real adventure. Its like being in another country. A cute vendor caught me staring at his Che t-shirt. He smiled I smiled back and asked him where he got the shirt. He pointed me in a nearby direction and I picked up the long coveted Che tee that I wear as I type.
At 2pm I head to the theatre so see Wicked. What an entertainging and political show. Turns out the wicked witch of the east and Glenda the good witch go way back. The story isn't what you thought. Judy Garland's "Dorothy" only told half of it. According to this musical there was a lot more and it turns out the woman of OZ were dealing with many of the same issues we deal with today as sisters. Interesting as well, is the fact that the Wizard has no real power and rules the people my instilling fear. (What does that remind you of?) I highly recommend this show and if I may make a prediction, Joey MacIntyre (Former New Kid on the Block) will rise again as a mainstream star. He was out of this world and without a doubt, one of the most gifted male voices I have heard in a long time. The crowd was on its feet and Joey recieved a gigantic round of applause. Its nice to see a former child star who has real talent working his craft and succeeding.
By the way, after a month of a hacking cough, I now have a sore throat.
Posted by Liz at 12:22 AM
| Feedback (1)
The Debate
I watched the debate and I watched the coverage. I don't really care about who looked one way or the other. They are both Yale grads, so I fully expect them to hold there own in a debate and they both did. How do you pick a winner? Well, I was listening to the remarks. I wanted to hear from the men themselves on the issues. I was so please to hear John Kerry make the following remark. As an average citizen, it appears to me that we are occupying Iraq at this point. We are not wanted in the bitter Middle East. I hope democracy will be able to grab hold in this part of the world, but I'm not sure the people want democracy.
"That's exactly where we find ourselves today. There's a sense of American occupation. The only building that was guarded when the troops when into Baghdad was the oil ministry. We didn't guard the nuclear facilities.
We didn't guard the foreign office, where you might have found information about weapons of mass destruction. We didn't guard the borders.
Almost every step of the way, our troops have been left on these extraordinarily difficult missions. I know what it's like to go out on one of those missions when you don't know what's around the corner."
Posted by Liz at 05:46 PM
| Feedback (8)
